The main exhibits will be people displaying their own body art, and competing for cash prizes in several categories.
The Monson Arts Council will hold bodyARTfest, a show of tattoos and body art, on July 4 as part of the annual Summer Fest activities. MONSON - The Arts Council will hold a show of tattoos and body art on July 4 as part of the annual Summer Fest activities.
Called "bodyARTfest," it will take place in the Monson House of Art from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., immediately following the annual Fourth of July parade.
The show will include two kinds of displays of body art: living and framed.
The main exhibits will be people displaying their own body art, and competing for cash prizes in several categories, including best of show, most creative, strongest statement and "What Was I Thinking?".
Anyone who wishes to put their artwork on display can do so for a $25 entry fee, and by filling out an entry form, found on the website, monsonartscouncil.com
The second category of display is tattoo and body art designs and photographs, which will be offered for view and sale by participating tattoo parlors and body art shops, which will reserve rooms or walls for their work. In addition, any artwork depicting body art can be entered for exhibit and sale.
The idea for a body art show has been discussed by the Arts Council for several years, and is finally coming to fruition. There is a lively body art culture in the Pioneer Valley, and a growing popularity of body art among a wider segment of the population than has traditionally been the case. The Arts Council feels there are many manifestations of the artistic impulse in our culture beyond those normally found in galleries.
Anyone interested in participating in the show, or in further information about the bodyARTfest, can call Reed Coles at (413) 537-0245, or visit the council website.